I am a little new to the iPod world, but have recently discovered that there is a huge library of free podcasts on all sorts of topics. I've been enjoying the selection of food related podcasts, including those produced by magazines (like Gourmet & Bon Appetit), various chefs, etc. I don't know if anyone else has discovered these little gems, but thought I'd share. There are lots on iTunes, but there may be other resources that are even better.

I've enjoyed listening to interviews by Ruth Reichl in particular. If anyone has a favorite, it might be interesting to share.

Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential is available for a fee, as are a number of other TV shows he's been on. Jamie Oliver is available too, plus Ming Tsai and others.

A lot of material is available for free, too. I'm a genuine newbie when it comes to this format, so I don't know how one finds podcasts without logging onto individual websites, etc. This particular collection is on iTunes. There may be better or easier sources; I just don't know what they are.

One particularly enjoyable freebie was Tom Douglas' Seattle Kitchen, which is broadcast each Saturday on a Seattle radio station. I also enjoyed hearing Laurie Colwin's essay, "Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant". Clotilde wrote about Colwin a while back: (http://chocolateandzucchini.com/archives/2006/05/laurie_colwins_home_cooking.php)

I wonder if Clotilde's voice is availble via the podcast world? Perhaps some of the NPR essays?